Caveolin-2 (CAV2)

Caveolin-2 is a small integral membrane protein (~20 kDa) that forms a major component of caveolae, specialized invaginations of the plasma membrane enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids. Caveolin-2 tightly interacts with caveolin-1 to form hetero-oligomeric complexes necessary for proper caveolae assembly and cell surface localization. It regulates multiple cell functions, including signaling, lipid metabolism, cell growth, and apoptosis. Caveolin-2 is typically phosphorylated at specific serine residues, which modulate its ability to regulate caveolae formation and function. While caveolin-2’s role is less defined than caveolin-1, it is increasingly recognized as an important contributor to disease biology, especially in cancer and cardiovascular contexts. Its function is tissue- and cell-type specific, reflecting context-dependent interactions and signaling regulation. Caveolin-2 interacts most directly with caveolin-1, is phosphorylated by Src and casein kinase II, and has been implicated more recently in direct signaling roles distinct from caveolin-1, particularly in the context of disease. There are currently no direct therapeutics for caveolin-2, but its significance in pathology and its biomarker potential make it an emerging focus in translational medicine.

Other names

Caveolin-2CAV2caveolae protein, 20-kDCAVCAV2 protein

Not directly applicable; caveolin-2 modulates caveolae-associated signaling and function, often by scaffolding and regulating the availability/activity of signaling molecules, especially via phosphorylation states.